Arrests of binge-drinking women rise by 50pc

The number of women arrested for drunk and disorderly offences has risen by more than 50 per cent in four years figures have shown.

The number of women arrested for drunk and disorderly offences has risen rapidly in recent yearsPhoto: Getty

By Christopher Hope, Home Affairs Editor

11:44PM BST 01 May 2008

The increasing number of binge-drinking women prompted one chief constable to call for a ban on discounted drinks, "happy hours" and alcohol advertising.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that scores of police forces have seen the numbers of women arrested for drunk and disorderly offences rise rapidly in recent years.

Overall, 21 forces that were able to provide like-for-like figures reported a 53 per cent increase in arrests over the past four years, from 3,847 in 2003/4, to 5,891 in 2007/8. Some of the biggest increases were in the West Midlands, where there was a 1,138 per cent rise, and Gwent, where the increase was 578 per cent.

Chief Constable Mike Craik, of Northumbria police, where arrests jumped from 1,414 to 2,101, told Channel Four News Online, which obtained the figures: "The reality is that clearly more still needs to be done, particularly about under-age drinking and the associated youth disorder."

Mr Craik said he supported plans to crack down on supermarkets selling lager and cider for less than a bottle of water.